Banana, Oatmeal, and Almond Smoothie

        
Benefits

Good source of fiber and protein
Helps you feel full and helps regulate bowel movement
Builds and repairs tissues in the body
Good source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium and magnesium
Important for regulating blood pressure
Important for bone and muscle health


Ingredients

2 tablespoons rolled oats
2 to 3 tablespoons hot or boiling water (enough to cover the oats)
1 cup unsweetened almond milk, or ⅓ cup light coconut milk and ⅔ cup almond milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 frozen banana, chopped
1 tablespoon almond butter
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon chia seeds, soaked (1 teaspoon dry, unsoaked)
To soak chia seeds, place them in a bowl or cup and add 4 tablespoons of water for each tablespoon of chia seeds. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. The seeds and water will become gel-like but the smoothie you make will not be. To add to the smoothie, scoop out 1 tablespoon of the gel mixture and add it to the blender pitcher


Instructions

Combine the oats and hot or boiling water in a small bowl and let sit until the oats are softened, about 15 minutes.
Add all of the ingredients (including the soaked oats) to the blender and blend on high speed for 1 minute. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!